Someone has asked me in good faith what the line is between being willing to stand in the front and when it becomes harmful and here’s the deal, far as I’ve ever been able to tell:

Take your lead from whomever is most impacted by what’s happening.

So for example:

It’s not at all unusual to see video of protest leaders asking someone to please not do something. If you are in a neighborhood that isn’t yours and someone says “don’t do that here” and they’re from there, they probably have a good reason! Don’t do that thing! Even if others do!

No protest is a monolith and no neighborhood is either. Things get confusing, especially when a protest forms spontaneously due to things like police shootings. Let people grieve. Protect them if you can, offer love and support. Film police, not people mourning.

The best rule of thumb is this: your outrage does not outweigh someone else’s grief. Your general discontent with the system does not outweigh someone else’s risk from it.

Protesters who conduct themselves with fierce compassion generally don’t cause harm or regulate as needed.

Where I’ve seen people cause harm it’s generally been because they act as though their theories are more valid than the situation. They come in thinking they know what’s needed instead of asking.

Don’t do that! Generally don’t be a dick and make everything about you!

Oh and for god’s sake stop trying to register voters at protests where police are likely to see everyone as enemy combatants rather than citizens exercising their rights. Making lists of people’s names and addresses is not generally helpful!

Also, daytime protests where people have permits and such are different than the more spontaneous sort. Generally if it’s something you can comfortably bring a stroller to you don’t have to worry so much about things.